If you are looking to make lasting lifestyle changes that will help you look and feel better, you have plenty of options. There are literally hundreds of diet plans on the market today that promise fast weight loss; there are thousands of gyms across the globe that promise to tighten that tummy and help you get those 6-pack abs you’ve been dreaming about. If you want to truly make healthy lifestyle changes, you’re going to have to look past all of those ‘quick fixes’ and make changes for the rest of your life. That can seem daunting, but it can be done. Here are some tips on how to incorporate these changes into your daily life:

Diet

Take heart – you can still enjoy that piece of birthday cake, occasional chocolate or a slice of pizza – but in moderation. Start eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. Learn to read labels and choose foods that are less processed. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store and purchase less canned and boxed foods – these are full of sodium and fat that can clog your arteries and can lead to heart disease.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to taste bad or boring; there are thousands of recipes that can transform ‘boring’ foods into superstar dishes that your entire family will love. Also try to incorporate ‘superfoods’ like blueberries, quinoa, oatmeal and sweet potatoes.

Supplements

If you’re getting all of the nutrients from your diet, chances are you don’t need to take extra supplements like vitamin A, C, or even E. There are some supplements, though, that you just can’t get from food. Cannabis oil, or hemp oil, is a good example. These are ideal supplements for calming the mind, helping you sleep better and giving you a harmonious balance of body and mind. Industrial hemp has been used for thousands of years and has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.

It can also aid in the relief of skin conditions like eczema. These supplements can be purchased as teas, or in the form of drops that you take orally.

Exercise

You don’t have to spend hours in a gym to create your dream body, or to lose weight. In fact, if you’ve been inactive for some time, start out by walking. Slowly increase your pace and length of walking workouts. If you enjoy working out with others, consider joining a spin class or yoga session. As you become fit, you can incorporate different exercise routines into your schedule to give you a more balanced approach to exercise and to find something you love.

Meditation/Spirituality

You’re not going to create a perfect body outside if you don’t work on your inside as well. Take some time each day to pray, meditate, etc. Consider a spiritual retreat, either on your own or with a friend/loved one. Focus on getting in touch with your spiritual side and if needed, ask for guidance from your minister/rabbi or another spiritual leader. Think about why you want to make these changes and how you will feel once you’ve reached your goals.

You don’t have to make all of these changes all at once. Adopting a new habit once a month can be an ideal way to create a whole new you. Remember that this is a journey and you’re not going to get there in a day or two; this is change for a lifetime.